Equipment Guide
Everything your young field hockey player needs from first practice to tournament day.
ℹ️ Stick sizes range from 28" (U8) to 36"+ (high school). Check league rules on goggles — required in most US youth programs.
Must-have estimate
$140 – $425
7 must-have items · 9 total
The most important piece of equipment. Composite sticks are more durable than wood for beginners and provide better feel. Stick length is sized to the player — not by age.
Match stick length to your child's height — tip on the ground, the handle should reach their hip. Composite sticks are more durable than wood for beginners.
Low-profile turf shoes (not cleats) are the standard for artificial turf fields. Look for a flat rubber sole with small nubs for grip. Regular cleats can damage turf surfaces — check with your league before purchasing.
Shorter and slimmer than soccer shin guards to fit inside long socks without bulk. Must cover the full shin. Some models include ankle protection — good for beginners who take a lot of stick-on-ankle hits.
ASTM-rated eye protection is required by USA Field Hockey rules for all youth players. Caged goggles or clear-lens models both work — check that they're ASTM F2713 certified. Your league will enforce this.
Buy a size up — kids grow fast and loose goggles are better than ones that dig in. Replace if the cage bends.
Required in most youth programs. Boil-and-bite models from any sports store work fine. Replace if it no longer fits snugly — kids' mouths change fast in growth years.
Most leagues provide game jerseys. Purchase shorts or a kilt (traditional) in your team color for practices. Athletic, quick-dry fabric works best — field hockey involves a lot of sprinting and bending.
Long, over-the-calf socks that hold shin guards in place. Most teams have a required color. Buy at least two pairs — practice socks get filthy fast on turf.
A padded left-hand glove protects the top hand on the stick, which takes the most impact. Not always required but strongly recommended for beginners. The right hand rarely needs protection.
Dimpled balls are the standard for most youth play. A smooth ball is better for stick skills on hard surfaces. Having a few at home lets your player practice dribbling and hitting in the driveway.
For the parents on the sideline — because you're out there every weekend too.
A lightweight, portable chair with a carry bag. You will spend hours on sidelines — your back will thank you.
Est. $25 – $80
Keeps coffee hot through a two-hour game in the cold. Keep drinks cold all day in summer. A non-negotiable for any sideline parent.
Est. $20 – $45
Two hours on an open field adds up fast. Water-resistant SPF 50+ in a spray is the fastest to apply for the whole family before game time.
Est. $8 – $18
Fields near tree lines or evening games bring the mosquitoes out. Keep a travel-size can in the same bag as the sunscreen so you never forget it.
Est. $6 – $15
Fits snacks, drinks, and ice packs for the whole team. Collapsible cooler bags are easy to carry and store flat in the car.
Est. $20 – $55
For those early morning or late fall games when it drops 20 degrees by kick-off. Compact, warm, and doubles as a picnic blanket.
Est. $18 – $45
A solid dad hat or wide-brim sun hat for long days in the sun. Look for UPF 50+ if you're at weekend tournaments.
Est. $15 – $40
Fast-drying and compact. Great for wiping down wet gear, drying off kids after a rainy game, or cleaning up spills at the snack table.
Est. $10 – $25
Single-serve packets you can toss in a water bottle. Better than hauling cases of sports drinks — and easier on the sugar.
Est. $15 – $30
Band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and an instant cold pack. Small enough to toss in your bag, essential when someone rolls an ankle in the last five minutes.
Est. $12 – $30
Folds to the size of a baseball. Games don't get cancelled for light rain — you'll be glad it's in your bag the first time it pours in the third quarter.
Est. $8 – $20
Bleachers, dugout benches, folding chairs — they are all hard after an hour. A folding, water-resistant seat cushion with back support makes a full tournament day survivable.
Est. $15 – $35
All-day tournaments mean hours of photos, group texts, and livestreaming to grandparents — with no outlet nearby to charge in between games. A power bank keeps you covered.
Est. $18 – $40
Catch up on a podcast, take a call, or just tune into the game — wireless earbuds keep your hands free while everyone else fumbles with a cord.
Est. $30 – $250
Heavy-duty collapsible wagon with wide wheels for hauling chairs, coolers, and gear bags across thick grass or mud at complex venues.
Est. $80 – $150
Enclosed pop-up tent to stay dry and warm during freezing rain, wind, or extreme cold at early morning or late fall games.
Est. $70 – $180
USB-powered padded seat with back support that hooks onto metal bleachers or lawn chairs to keep parents warm during long tournament days.
Est. $45 – $90
Rechargeable cooling fan with water mist attachment to protect young athletes and parents from overheating during summer tournaments.
Est. $20 – $40
Machine-washable, towel-style seat protector designed to prevent sweat, mud, and turf pellets from ruining car upholstery after games.
Est. $25 – $45
Divided snack organizer ideal for parents assigned to team snack duty or packing fuel for multi-game tournament weekends.
Est. $15 – $30
Compact muscle massager for warming up tight hamstrings and easing post-game quad soreness between tournament bracket rounds.
Est. $35 – $80
Fast-charging battery pack to keep phones, video cameras, scoring apps (like GameChanger), and heating cushions powered all day.
Est. $25 – $60
Loud gyms, packed rinks, echoey arenas — a good pair of over-ear headphones lets you dial down the noise between plays without missing your kid's turn.
Est. $40 – $200
Total Estimated Cost
$140 – $425
Based on must-have items at typical retail prices. Costs vary by brand, retailer, and whether the league supplies certain gear.
Sports, arts, camps, and clubs — plain-English guides and gear lists for whatever your kid's into. Free, no account required.
